Unique Hanoi and Amazing Halong Bay - 5 Days

Today you have a full day to explore Vietnam’s charming capital. With its wide tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and ancient oriental pagodas, Hanoi is an eclectic mix that offers something for everyone.
Start with a visit to the Temple of Literature that was built in 1070 and best known as the First National University. Follow it with one of the city's museums (a choice between the History Museum and the Ethnology Museum) before your lunch. This meal offers you unforgettable experience of the famous Hanoi specialty cha ca -- fried fish with turmeric and dill and vermicelli noodles - at Cha Ca Thang Long.
In the afternoon, transfer to the Ba Dinh Square where stands the Mausoleum of President Ho Chi Minh who led Vietnam to independence from French colonial rule. This site has become an important city landmark and a perfect place to learn more about Vietnam’s rich history. From there, wander through the beautiful surrounding gardens toward the One Pillar Pagoda and Presidential Palace, where a replica of Ho Chi Minh’s simple working space is on display.
Conclude the day with a traditional Water Puppet Performance – a unique Vietnamese Art form hailing from Southeast Asia’s wet-rice culture.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi.

Journey east through the rich farmland of the Red River Delta to Haiphong's Got Pier, where you will take a tender to your luxury cruise anchors. On arrival, you are welcomed onboard a ship. Settle into a private comfortable cabin and unpack for a three day cruise around Halong Bay. Along the way to the less visited and untouched areas, enjoy a huge lunch served on board and admire the picturesque scenery of islands. These limestone karst formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves.
Break your trip with a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and the crystal clear waters of the bay before taking part in onboard traditional cooking class. Enjoy delicious local food prepared and served for you by wonderful onboard catering staffs. This is a delightful meal in an intimate romantic setting.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: On cruise.

Awake early and participate in Tai Chi on the top deck or simply relax and enjoy the sunrise over the bay’s towering islands. Coffee, tea and pastries for light breakfast are served in the dining room with morning view of bay’s landscape, then continue your journey with the cruise's activities. Board on a day cruise, then you will take the bicycle trip along the village path and go through rain forests and dark tunnel at Viet Hai village. Enjoy stunning scenery of rice fields on the way.
After lunch time, continue cruising, free kayaking and swimming on the crystal blue water with the all four sides enclosed by vertical cliffs (if the weather permits). Watch the magnificent sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin. Followed by a traditional cooking class & delicious dinner served for you by your wonderful onboard catering staff.
The rest time of the day is yours to enjoy the landscape of the bay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: On cruise.

Why not rise early to witness the bay at its very best whilst enjoying another invigorating Tai Chi session on the sundeck. Upon completing breakfast, continue your journey and head out to explore the bay in the area where Ao Ech is situated. Enjoy yourselves to kayak to discover the hidden charm of Lan Ha Bay. It is time for checking out, and enjoy a delightful brunch while return to the quay side in the south of the bay where the cruise disembarks.
Say goodbye with the cruise team, and meet your driver for the transfer to the Noi Bai Airport to catch your departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: N/A.